Winter Transfer Window: Potential Transfers that Could Impact the League Table
Pep Problems: Massive Moves for Manchester City?
Premier League champions Manchester City will enter the New Year well off the pace, having experienced one of the worst runs of form in recent memory, which sees them trailing Liverpool, who also have a game in hand by 14 points. The Citizens have been hit hard by injuries this season, especially in the defensive positions, and it’s starting to feel as though this transfer window will be crucial to their chances of defending their title.
Arguably the most important area that Pep Guardiola needs to reinforce is in defensive midfield where the absence of Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has left a gaping void for the champs. City have been linked with a host of players, including the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes, but Atalanta midfielder Ederson seems to be leading the race in recent weeks. Guardiola’s former charge Joshua Kimmich is another option but he is out of contract at the end of the season and the Citizens are probably more likely to look at him closer to June.
Given Man City’s current financial situation and ongoing PSR breach allegations, any big transfers will likely require existing players to be sold first. One of the most likely players to depart the Etihad Stadium could be Kevin De Bruyne who has been linked with a move abroad in recent times. The 33-year-old Belgian is priced at 2.80 to move to a club in the MLS and 6.00 is available for him to head to the Saudi Pro League, following in the footsteps of former teammate Riyad Mahrez.
Man City face West Ham United early in the New Year and you can stay up to the minute with the action right here on SportyTrader with our Premier League Livescore tool free of charge!
Marcus for Muani? Amorim Overhaul at Old Trafford
It has been a tough start to life in Manchester for new boss Ruben Amorim, with Man United languishing in the bottom half of the table and showing very little signs of an imminent turnaround. The Portuguese tactician made a massive decision by dropping Marcus Rashford from the team at the start of December and the England international has since gone public saying that he may be ready for a new challenge away from Old Trafford.
Since then, Rashford has been linked with moves to several clubs across Europe, but the two that are believed to be the frontrunners to secure his signature are Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and La Liga behemoths Barcelona. The latest odds show a move for Rashford to PSG priced at 5.50 while a move to Catalonia will return at 7.00 with most bookmakers.
If Les Parisiens do opt to go for Rashford in January, it could open the door for the Red Devils to swoop on Randal Kolo Muani, who transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has tipped to depart Parc des Princes in the New Year. United are also desperate to reinforce at left-back given the injury records of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, and some of the options believed to be high up on their wishlist include Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, Antonee Robinson of Fulham and Canadian international Alphonso Davies.
Man United are set to face Newcastle United tonight before a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Liverpool in the New Year, and you can check out our experts’ Premier League predictions for all the matches right here on SportyTrader!
Merseyside to Middle East - Salah Set for Saudi Switch?
One potential transfer move that has been rumbling on for the last few windows has been the possibility that Mohamed Salah could be close to departing Merseyside. The Egyptian King was the subject of a world record deal to Al Ittihad at the start of the season and interest in the 32-year-old has only ramped up in recent weeks given his incredible form coupled with the fact that he has yet to pen a new deal at Anfield, with his current contract set to expire at the end of this season.
Bookmakers have allocated 3.00 for Salah to make the switch to the Saudi Pro League in January, while a move to PSG (20.00) and Real Madrid (25.00) are considered slightly longer shots but still remain on the table. Like Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also out of contract at the end of this season, and the Reds may be targeting this transfer window to thrash out negotiations with their defensive duo.
Jurgen Klopp left Arne Slot with a wealth of talent before leaving but the new boss may be thinking about a few reinforcements after missing out on Martin Zubimendi at the start of the campaign. Alphonso Davies and Antonee Robinson are considered potential options to provide Andrew Robertson with competition at left-back but a move for Milos Kerkez appears far more likely.
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Bet on the Winter Transfer WindowTransfer Talk: Winter Window Wishlist for Clubs
Starting with Arsenal, the key task for Mikel Arteta is to find support for Bukayo Saka, who is currently sidelined due to injury. The Gunners are rumoured to be interested in Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo, with odds of 2.50 allocated for the Cameroon international to move to North London.
After an incredible 2023-24 season in which they returned to Europe, Aston Villa have found it difficult to remain in the top four this season with the likes of Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey yet to reach the heights they delivered last term. A new attacker is believed to be a top priority for the Villans and Abde Ezzalzouli of Real Betis is understood to be their primary target.
Chelsea have returned to prominence in some style this season, currently in third place and looking likely to pose a proper challenge for the title. The Blues are spoilt for choice in attacking positions but they have been thin in defence with the likes of Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile all currently sidelined with injuries. Enzo Maresca’s side have reportedly shortlisted Benfica defender Tomas Araujo and Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi as defensive targets.
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